Lakeland, FL –

Lakeland Regional Health has recently purchased the 2.2-acre property at 6150 South Florida Avenue with plans to develop a freestanding emergency department to serve the South Lakeland population. The health system is currently working through the architectural design, budget, and construction planning process and aims to begin construction this upcoming year, 2023. The property includes direct access to 540A and S Florida Avenue.

As the leading healthcare provider in Polk County, Lakeland Regional Health is home to the country’s second busiest emergency department. The purchase is part of the health system’s plan to address the physician shortage in Polk County and its strategic plan to make emergency care more conveniently available throughout the community.

“Part of our five-year strategic plan is to ensure our patients have access to convenient and reliable care, including emergency services,” said Danielle Drummond, President and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health. “We feel privileged to grow alongside our community by expanding into South Lakeland to serve our patients and families.”

The purchase of 6150 S. Florida Ave is one of many expansion developments for the health system. Construction continues at the 20-acre Lakeland Regional Health site along I-4 at Kathleen Road for primary and specialty care with dedicated training space for the organization’s Family Medicine Residency program, part of the new Graduate Medical Education starting in 2023. In addition, Lakeland Regional Health continues to consider plans for the 100-acres of land previously purchased on US Highway 98 just south of County Road 540A and for the 5.6 acres of land located at 5610 S Florida Avenue.